Answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
What is CMMB? What does CMMB do?
CMMB is an international, faith-based non-profit providing long-term, cooperative, medical and development aid to communities affected by poverty and unequal access to healthcare. For over 100 years, we have worked to bring health and dignity to people in some of the most impoverished areas in the world.
What does CMMB stand for?
CMMB comes from our name which was established over 100 years ago: Catholic Medical Mission Board. We are still Catholic Medical Mission Board, legally and spiritually, but we now use our acronym in our branding.
Is CMMB part of the Catholic Church?
We are an independent Catholic faith-based organization, founded by a Catholic doctor in the early 1900s. We are not financially supported by the Conference of Catholic Bishops in the U.S. We maintain very close relationships with parishes and church-related organizations in the U.S. and abroad, and we are listed in the Catholic directory.
Does CMMB minister or evangelize to those they serve?
We minister through healthcare, without discrimination, to people in need throughout the world. We do not evangelize or convert.
How many countries does CMMB work in?
CMMB operates through local offices in Haiti, Kenya, Peru, South Sudan and Zambia*. Over the last 10 years, we reached more than 80 countries with donated medicines, medical supplies and volunteers.
How much of my donation goes to those in need?
CMMB is a highly efficient organization, helping to provide healthcare and dignity to women, children and their communities through cash donations, grants and donated medicine and medical supplies. You can find more information on our financials page.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes, all donations made to CMMB are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law, for people filing taxes in the USA. CMMB is a 501(c)(3) organization.
What is CMMB’s EIN/tax ID number?
13-5602319
How can I donate stock or mutual funds?
CMMB accepts donations in the form of stock, government (including municipal) debt and corporate debt through the Depository Trust Company (DTC). For security, settlement and reduced paperwork, electronic transfer through the DTC is preferred. This can be arranged from most brokerage accounts. Learn more here.
Can I donate online?
To donate by credit card, you bank account, or PayPal, click here. Explore our website to read about the many ways you can support our work with women, children, and communities around the world.
Can I donate over the phone?
To donate by phone, call us at (800) 678-5659.
Can I donate by mail?
Yes. Make checks payable to CMMB. Also, please include your email address so we can send you updates about the people you are helping through your donation.
Mail your donation to:
CMMB
Gift Processing Center
PO Box 37041
Boone, IA 50037-0041
I have an issue with a donation I made online. How can I get help fixing it?
Call us at (800) 678-5659 or email us at info@cmmb.org so we can look into the issue and try to resolve it for you.
How do I change my credit card information?
You can fill out this form, send us an email to info@cmmb.org, or give us a call at (800) 678-5659. Please include your full name, the old contact information, and the new information.
How do I stop monthly gifts?
You can change your monthly gift amount or cancel it at any time by filling out this form, emailing donorservices@cmmb.org, or calling us at (800) 678-5659.
How do I make a matching gift?
Many corporations are prepared to match every donation made by their employees, and most companies have slightly different processes, so you should check with your employer. You can email us any match form to donorservices@cmmb.org. Federal employees can donate as part of a combined federal campaign using CFC #10909. Learn more.
Can you take me off the mailing list?
You may unsubscribe from emails by clicking the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of any email. If you would like us to stop sending you paper mail, please fill out this form.
How can I get a tax statement?
If you are giving online, you will receive an acknowledgment letter immediately after your donation to the email address provided. In most cases, we will mail you an acknowledgment letter to the address we have on file within 1-2 weeks of your donation. We also send an annual giving summary in late January or early February for the prior year’s tax-deductible gifts, unless you have indicated otherwise. If you are missing an acknowledgment letter, please fill out this form.
Does CMMB accept in-kind donations of medicines and clothing from individuals?
Unfortunately, due to US restrictions, we can only accept donations of medicines directly from manufacturers. We are prohibited from taking medicines from individuals under any circumstances. We regret that we are also unable to accept donations of clothing, supplies, etc. from individuals.
How many people are employed by CMMB?
Currently we have over 500 members of staff globally, with approximately 50 based in the US.
How can I volunteer with CMMB?
To learn more about our volunteer program, visit cmmb.org/volunteer.
How many years has CMMB been around?
CMMB started in 1912 led by Dr. Paluel Flagg, a young Catholic doctor on the staff of St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York City. He was inspired to help others after the death of his own infant daughter from neonatal asphyxia and his wife due to complications from childbirth. One of his first service trips was to Haiti, where he served those suffering from leprosy. When he saw the immense need he knew he had to do more. He recruited others to join him. The founder and first president of the Catholic Hospital Association (now Catholic Health Association) was struck by the work of Dr. Flagg and encouraged him to establish the Medical Mission Committee of the CHA. By February 1928, the Catholic Medical Mission Committee had grown extensively, and it became incorporated as Catholic Medical Mission Board in New York State. You can read more about our history by visiting cmmb.org/history